A running track renders distance in 3d
An interactive installation powers a 3 day virtual running track on a pc screen.
The project
An interactive 3D running installation was deployed at the Décathlon Kiprun booth during a three-day event. The main challenge was to measure distance down to the exact meter and automatically reset the race after fifteen seconds of inactivity. A physical sensor connected to the treadmill transmitted strides in real time to a Unity application running on a PC. The system operated continuously throughout the three days, automatically awarding all 42 competition prizes.
- Event activation
- Interactive installation
- Prize game
- 3D / CGI
- Game / real-time dev
- Electronics & sensors
- Unity
- Game design
The challenge
During a three-day retail event activation, foot traffic had to remain smooth. The challenge: immerse each runner in a virtual race while strictly controlling the distribution of prizes throughout the entire duration of the event, without requiring continuous oversight from booth staff.
Our approach
We linked a mechanical sensor attached to the treadmill to an application developed in Unity. The system counted each pulse as three meters of effort, featuring a precise display to three decimal places. An algorithm automated the contest by releasing a prize every 12 minutes. The victory screen was displayed for 30 seconds, followed by an automatic reset after 15 seconds without a runner.
Results
The system operated without interruption during the three days of the activation. The 42 prizes were distributed in a perfectly timed, autonomous manner.
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